Finishing out February

Alice's croup - She had a few rough days with her cough, not sleeping well, and being grumpy (sore throat, not feeling well ), some throwing up, and congestion. However we got lucky and she never got worse and it passed the following week (minus the congestion).

Casey went up Thursday - Saturday (16th-18th) to Boise for state basketball. The girls won their first, lost their second, and won their third game, so they ended up in third place overall! The kids and I really missed Casey. We were thrilled to have him back home Saturday night. Also Casey got called and set apart as the Ward Clerk for our ward. He's doing double duty (Clerk / Sunday School Pres.) for a few weeks until the new Sunday School presidency is called.

Our nephew James was born on the 16th! Because Alice had croup we held off meeting him for a week. The kids were so happy to meet him. Alice looked so big next to James. Her chunky cheeks make her look so much older.

Just as we had a few teaser days of warmth and snow melting a big storm came in last Thursday into Friday. The power went out for a bit Thursday morning and not long after they cancelled school for the rest of the day. It was the day we met James so I was crazy and drove through the blizzard to get David and Kendal from school. We had three foot drifts in our road and driveway. They ended up cancelling school Friday as well, because some roads were to bad for buses. Unfortunately they will have to make up this snow day and any other that may occur in the future.
I had my post pregnancy check up Friday so we braved the roads and went into town. While Casey grocery shopped with the two older kids I got the you're good at my appointment. (I feel that I've recovered fairly well this time around. While it was no picnic, I felt like I felt better sooner than the previous two. Sleep hasn't been the best which has made for some long days, but I get by. I've had a few days where I've pushed it too much and I've been in a lot of pain / had swelling afterwards. Overall though I'm doing pretty well right now.)
Kendal had her 100th day of school. She dressed up and I attempted makeup wrinkles and a white hair bun for her. She also had her first grade program this week. The program was patriotic with different songs about America / states. She was Miss. West Virginia and got to tell about the state animal, fruit, and tree. She has loved learning all of the fun songs and sings them all the time at home. (Johnnie B. Goode, God Bless the USA, Take me home country roads, etc.) During the performance though she would sometimes stop singing and enter la la land for a few moments (love our space case ; ).

Peter has had the short end of the stick being stuck with a recovering mom, cold / snowy outside he can't freely play in, and a baby sister who shouldn't go out; so we've been home A LOT. He's had a few stir crazy days, but overall he's made the best of it. He's a great at amusing himself, and I'm doing my best to find quality time with him while Alice is napping.

Alice is doing well. She is she more awake during the day and she doing better going back to sleep after her night feedings. While I wish she'd get up less through the night, she has given me a couple of nights with a four to five hour stretch of sleep. She still enjoys white noise. She likes the bath, but getting dressed isn't her favorite. She's fairly content, but her gas issues can make her unhappy. We've got a few real smiles out of her, and we try to coax more everyday. Alice went to church for the first time Sunday. She slept, ate, and chilled out in relief society with me. We love this little lady, her wild hair and her sweet squishy cheeks!

One month!

Alice is one month old!

Alice is a fairly mellow baby. She withstands her "hands on" siblings. She likes white noise (fan, shower, blow dryer, vacuum). She's still a sleeper (but we're still working on nights). She has occasional tummy / gas issues that cause some discomfort. On Sunday she had some congestion that has lasted this whole week. She hasn't slept well all week because she can't breath well. Unfortunately she also stated having a horrible cough a couple of days ago as well. Because Casey was headed off to Boise for a few days and I didn't need a late night insta care visit with the kids on my own so we headed into the Dr yesterday. She has a mild case of croup. It's "mild" because her lungs still sound good and she is still breathing well enough to eat and sleep decently. We found out at the Dr that she is up to 9.6 lbs! It's crazy how fast she is growing and I'm sure she'll look like a giant when she meets get new cousin soon.

Valentine's was low key. We had a nice dinner at home and then Casey took Kendal and Peter out for Ice cream!

Growing

Time flies when your having fun. . . or because you have a newborn where your days are full and your nights are long. Alice has been here for three weeks! She had her two week appointment last week (which should have been Wednesday morning, but we had to go back Wednesday afternoon and wait an extra hour because they scheduled us wrong. To top it off they had to get a blood draw from Alice and it took three pricks and a lot of screaming to get four little circles filled with blood. Poor girl hated it and Peter was so sad for her that he and had to look away after a while. However, the good news is she's back to her birth weight and she's eating and growing well. She's our highest percentage baby so far in weight / height so we'll see how she continues to grow!
Alice also got to meet the teachers at Casey's school and some students on Wednesday. (His seventh grade team is a bunch of girls and they were trying to throw a luncheon for Alice and me, but I cheated and just showed up with Alice and brownies one day, because my introvert side wasn't going to allow a party with me at the center of it ; .)
Alice is having more awake time throughout the day which is sweet, however she's carrying on her awake time into the night and we've had a few long nights with not enough sleep for my liking (I'll deal with it for now since she's so cute ; ).

Kendal and Peter are very much in love with Alice. They request to hold her throughout the day and love to talk to her. Poor Peter has been stuck inside with winter weather and a recovering mommy so he's had a few days of being stir crazy. Aunt Vanessa has been so wonderful and taken him a few times so he can play and I can take a break, or clean. We've been spoiled with a few dinners from ward members, Vanessa, and Casey's mom brought us a meal when they came up to David's basketball game. (Thank you everyone, you've been such a blessing!!)
Casey took the kids to David's game last week and then he took Kendal by herself on Saturday. He also took the kids to Home Depot to the kids workshop since he had to pick up some wood for a project. The kids built and painted their own box frames. They each requested pictures of them and Alice for their frames. Since we had some warmer days last week the kids went out Friday and built a snowman, it didn't last long in the warmer temperature, but they enjoyed making it!
 

We had a snow day last Tuesday(24th), and then there was no school the 23rd and 3rd so we've had a few extra days with Casey which we love!! Last week he was gone Monday through Thursday though alternating between district basketball games, and parent teacher conferences each night. (p.s. Casey's team won their final games, JV won district, and Varsity is set to win districts this week and head off to state in Boise next week!) While it's been interesting going without Casey here and there we've gotten by; a bit frazzled with a messy house, but we managed.

I ended up doing Kendal's parent teacher conference over the phone with her morning teacher. Kendal's teachers had only good things to say about her. They appreciate her participation, her enthusiasm to learn, her kind heart, her helpful side, and her sweet personality. She is a quick learner and often completes tasks / assignments quickly. She gets to help fellow students, read her chapter book, do extra assignments, or go to centers when she's done early. She tested above third level in reading, but her teachers would like to keep her on second to third level books for comprehension reasons. She's very good at math, but sometimes rushes through her work and can miss easy problems. Kendal adores her teachers and her extra classes (music, library, p.e. etc.) She has a music performance in a couple of weeks she's so excited for and has the songs down pact! Kendal often asks to sew something so last week we cut out a ton of felt hearts and I let her sew them together all by herself to make garlands for above the crib and valentines decor.

Peter is still working with me on Preschool at home. I can tell we've gotten out of our routine because it was a struggle this past week to get him focused. He has definitely grown and learned a ton since the school year started. He picks up on things very well; however his strong stubborn side often prevails and he just gives up trying on the occasional day and it feels like a battle of wills to get him to focus and learn. I can say he's Kindergarten ready in what he should know going into school, but there's always more to learn, and skills / lessons he could have down better. We've got his goals up on the wall and we'll keep working on them!
Peter is still all about Lego's, he can endlessly build and play if he could!

and then there were three!

Just for a fun comparison!

Newborn shots of Kendal, Peter, Alice 

 

Love these three with all our hearts!

Darrington party of five!

We were all ready for baby girl to join us Wednesday the 19th. However. . . She apparently had other plans.
Sunday the fifteenth we were resting at home after church. I was having back pains, but didn't think much about it, until I felt a gush. I rushed to the bathroom and sat there thinking there was no way my water broke. I finally called in Casey and we determined we better go in to the hospital. Now my worries surfaced and I made an emotional call to have Vanessa come and take the kids. (Both kids told everyone in the days to follow that the baby broke my water and wanted to come early :) Brett and Casey gave me a blessing and we sent the kids off, finished packing, and headed out.
We made our way to the hospital and because I had eaten they were going to make me wait till 8 to have my c section. I spent the afternoon getting prepped, poked (I was nicknamed pincushion), and having lame hard contractions. When it came close to eight o clock another mommy to be was being considered for an emergency c section so I waited a bit before they let me go back. While I've had a lot of anxiety going into surgery I feel I fared well; the staff took good care of me and I had Casey by my side.
Sweet Alice was born at 9:57 pm on the fifteenth. She weighed in at 8.4 pounds and was 20 inches long. She came out and cried for a while, but once she was swaddled and put in Casey's arms she was content. I got a quick snuggle and Casey held her while they continued to work on me. We named her Alice soon after. She came out with a cute crop of dark hair just like Peter had. I keep going back and forth over who she resembles more Kendal, or Peter, however I think she's got a bit of her own look. She has long tiny fingers and feet, plus sweet plump cheeks I love to kiss! We had a long night ahead of us. Thankfully Casey stayed the night and we had sweet Alice to enjoy.

Vanessa came with all the kids the next morning. Kendal was all questions, and Peter wanted to hold his little sister. Alice got to meet a handful of family her first couple of days. The kids got to come and enjoy Alice when they could.

Alice had a hard time eating at first. She went her first twelve hours without really eating. She ended up losing more than a pound in the first couple of days so I had a slew of lactation nurses and the pediatrician on my case during our stay. I was dealing with the usual post op fun and some extra gas pains that I loathe. Alice is definitely a sleeper. She slept a ton in the hospital and I'd have to bug her to eat. When it came time to go on Wednesday morning they decided to keep us longer and suppliant Alice's feedings. If she didn't improve they were going to admit her. Thankfully she pulled through and we were able to take her home Wednesday night. Peter had spent the day with Casey / us. With his schedule being thrown off and life being different for a few days he needed his mommy and daddy. He got emotional when he had to leave the hospital and just wanted us.

My parents and Katherine came up Thursday and spent the rest of the week with us. Alice had an appointment Friday and she's back to 7.12 pounds and the doctor says she looks good. We also kept an eye on her color (jaundice) for a few days. I've been trying to feed her every three hours to keep her going. She still is super sleepy, but she's getting longer stretches of being awake which is fun (unless it's the middle of the night : /. So far she tolerates well or tends to sleeps through Kendal and Peter's noise / play.
Kendal and Peter adore Alice. They want to hold and love on her all the time. While they're still learning to embrace the"helpful" part of things they are doing so well with Alice, and my recovery.
Thank you everyone who came to visit us both in the hospital and at home!!  We're happy you got to see sweet Alice and we're so happy she's here with us. Most of all thank you for all that helped us whether it was taking the kids, helping us at home, words of encouragement, or just love; it is all appreciated. We are truly surrounded by wonderful family.
Sweet Alice, welcome to our hearts, our home, our lives. I can't imagine life without you. You were a much anticipated blessing and present from heaven. We love you little one!

Snow better days

The beginning of January we had lots of snow. Casey and Kendal had two snow days. It was nice to have more time with Casey. We did our best to hibernate by baking, playing video games, and enjoying family time. With loads of snow and ice, and freezing cold temperatures the kids are definitely stir crazy around here. With me being pregnant (hurting / sick) I'm not much for fun and outings. Poor Peter had the short end of the stick this winter being stuck at home with me and then when baby comes being home bound for a while longer. Kendal fairs better by getting energy and boredom out at school.
Luckily we've still had time with Becca and Thomas. Between Vanessa and my doctor's appointments the kids have been able to play and enjoy time together.
Casey is close to being done coaching for the season. His team ends their seasons on Wednesday (25th) and then he only has a few more weeks with JV and varsity finishing off the season. Unfortunately the kids and I haven't made it to a game since the holiday break. We did make it to cousin David's game last Saturday.

Last attempt at a bump picture before baby!

Last week of winter break

Casey and I wanted to do a fun activity with the kids before the baby comes. With him having games both Saturday's leading up to the baby we chose Christmas break to do something fun. So last Wednesday we took the kids out for the indoor mini golf in Twin Falls. They both enjoyed the neon lights that made colors glow and had fun whacking the balls all around each course. Afterwards we took them to Kiwi Loco for some frozen yogurt! Casey also pulled out the Magic Science kit and did experiments with the kids. They love doing experiments and were having a blast the different activities!

We also did some organization around the house last week. We de-cluttered, made a DI pile, Casey reworked a broken dresser so we can use it for the baby, and he set up the crib. I have a couple of deep cleaning things to do, and freezer meals to make then I'll feel ready for the 18th!
Thursday we headed to Raft River for the weekend to spend time with Casey's family. Grandma, Grandpa, Cody, Mia, Brett, Vanessa, and their kids were there Thursday. Peter took to Mia right away again and was her boon buddy throughout the weekend. She was so sweet and played with him (especially since he had a cough and sticks his stuffed animals in peoples faces, she might be a saint now ; ).
Friday Casey and Kenny scoped out a sledding hill and took the kids out for some fun in the snow. Everyone else showed up that evening and we had our Darrington Christmas party! It was a house full of energy and fun with the kids playing and enjoying each other. Kendal got a little Samantha doll and shirt from Grandma and Grandpa and a doll dress up and travel game from cousin David. Kendal is in love with her little doll so happy she got her. Peter got Star Wars Lego's and cars from Grandma and Grandpa and light sabor from cousin Jaxson. He loves the light sabor and was playing with it the rest of the weekend. The kids got to stay up quite late playing and some of the adults stayed up past one in the morning playing games. It's been years since we've played so much, but the kids are at great ages and we had the time to enjoy and play all throughout the weekend. Saturday I made tootsie rolls with some of the kids and then almost everyone went out sledding. After lunch the kids watched a show while we adults played games again or watched football. Vanessa pulled out Pie face to play with the kids. The kids loved it, and we even got Grandpa to play. Peter and Jaxson opted out of the game though. We ended up leaving after dinner because mostly everyone was gone, and I decided I needed a better nights sleep at home. We were spent from a great weekend with family so we went to bed before the New Year rang in.

2016 was a good year full of wonderful memories. We're looking forward to 2017 and all that it brings.
We get to welcome baby girl in just over two weeks! We're hoping to buy a home this spring. Peter will start Kindergarten this fall! Kendal will turn eight and be baptized at the end of the year!

I don't have any resolutions really, but I'm hoping to put some focus into each month.
This month my words of focus and encouragement are having COURAGE, and to be POSITIVE. I've chosen those to start out this year because I've had a lot of anxiety going into my surgery in a couple of weeks. It's been a rough last month of pregnancy with symptoms that just keep accumulating and i've felt weak, scared, and stressed. I know i'll pull through and things will turn out well in the end, it's just easy for my doubts, fears, and worries to take over. Here's to having courage and being positive in January!